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Adams County petitions for denial of some of Extraction's Broomfield drilling permits

Neighboring county says sites are too close to its residents

By Jennifer Rios

Staff Writer

Posted:
07/20/2018 03:35:30 PM MDT

Updated:
07/20/2018 03:36:00 PM MDT

Broomfield and Adams county citizens were among those who in October protested at a Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission meeting where Extraction Oil & Gas, Inc. well locations were discussed. (Helen H. Richardson / The Denver Post)

Adams County has filed a protest and intervention with the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission regarding several proposed oil and gas sites in Broomfield that Adams County officials say will negatively impact some of their residents.

Kristin Sullivan, Director of Community and Economic Development for Adams County, said the protest, signed by county commissioners, was filed Monday. Adams County is asking to be allowed to participate as a "relevant local government" at the upcoming COGCC hearing regarding Form 2 and 2A drilling permits from Extraction Oil & Gas, Inc.

The sites in question are specifically those near Adams County neighbors, she said, including Mustang Acres and Northstar Estates. They include the Northwest A, Northwest B and Interchange A and B sites.

"Those are sites that we feel may not be the best way to develope these minerals," Sullivan said.

That message has been made publicly at previous COGCC hearings, as well as Broomfield City Council meetings.

"We're looking out for their best interest," she said about those Adams County residents most directly impacted, "and to protect their public health, safety and welfare."

Adams County is suggesting moving sites northwest of the land near where Northwest Parkway and I-25 intersect — an area Extraction had at one time suggested for the United and Huron pads.

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"As part of our protest, we are recommending an alternative site analysis be conducted under the COGCC process," Sullivan said.

While it is unclear exactly how many residents would be impacted in those neighborhoods, she said there are "dozens," and that the neighborhood has been there since the 1970s. Many are directly adjacent to the land that is proposed to be developed — with their back property lines running up against the access road where oil and gas trucks will drive.

Along that strip, which is Broomfield open space, are about 20 homes, Sullivan said. The area was intended to provide a buffer from the Northwest Parkway and nearby neighborhoods.

When Broomfield became a city and county, the residential neighborhood became a part of unincorporated Adams County.

Broomfield City Council approved an operator agreement with Extraction in late October, in spite of residents of both counties turning out to advocate against the agreement.

If COGCC decides Adams County is not a relevant local government that can participate during the hearing, representatives — likely residents, staff and elected officials — still will take advantage of the public comment section of the meeting.

The COGCC meeting will take place July 30 through Aug. 1 in Denver.

According to an email from Spence Prine, COGCC hearings and regulatory affairs manager, there will be a separate public period for Broomfield residents to comment on this topic on Aug. 1.

"There will be a separate sign-in sheet for those who want to provide comment," she said to Broomfield's Director of Strategic Initiative Tami Yellico in an email.

It will go live online July 25, at the same time the general public comment sign-in sheet will go live, and people only will be able to sign up for one public comment period, she said. Those who wish to speak about this matter will not be able to speak until Aug. 1.

"As we anticipate a lot of public engagement, and a limited amount of time for public comment, people are strongly encouraged to submit a written comment instead," she wrote. "Those are provided to the Commissioners prior to the hearing and it doesn't limit people to (two to three) minutes of time."

Those comments can be submitted on the sign-in sheet or sent directly to Prine.

"Anyone who signs up to speak, and doesn't get the opportunity during the public comment period, can come back at the end of the hearing to provide comment," she said, but it is unclear when that will be.

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